OPHELIA—James Thomas “Jimmy” Gaskins Sr. of Ophelia passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 15, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 34 years, Betty Smith Gaskins; his parents, Thomas Lowell Gaskins and Viola Dameron Gaskins; his brother, Lowell Fleet Gaskins; and his sister, Ann Gaskins Donovan.
Jimmy was a lifelong member of Afton United Methodist Church, and there he enjoyed cooking and helping in the kitchen. When he wasn’t spending time with his loving family, Jimmy loved being on the water and spending time in his net shed. He loved welcoming guests and always greeted them with a big smile and a cold Diet Coke. He was his happiest when he was in Hacks Neck or on Little River.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Gaskins Conley (Russell); son, James Thomas (Jamie) Gaskins Jr. (Drew); a granddaughter, Taylor Carol-Rose Conley; his brothers, Eddie Gaskins (Diane), Dale Gaskins (Fran), Ray Gaskins (Eunice Rose), John Gaskins and Thomas Gaskins; his sisters, Charlotte Donovan and Becky Hinson (Joe); his brothers-in-law, Andrew Self (Marian) and William Smith (Cathy); many nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Beverly Jewell.
There was a memorial service honoring Jimmy at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 18, at Afton United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Betty Smith Gaskins Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 658, Burgess, VA 22432.
